Page 90 of Scoring Chance

“Uh-huh. And you think this is for the best?”

Against every impulse in my heart, I nod yes. “This was only supposed to be temporary. We don’t want to…confuse things any longer.”

“Confuse things?”

“Yes. This isn’t real. You have an exciting career and an exciting life to get back to.” It takes all of my strength not to buckle and break down. This dream life with Des as my husband wasn’t built to last.

“Maybe I want this life.” His voice quivers with emotion. “Being in this house is messy and chaotic and loud. So freaking loud. And I’ve never been happier. I spent my whole life outrunning a crappy home. But being here with you and the kids, it makes me feel like I’m part of a team.” He takes my hand, squeezes it tight. “I belong here. And I think…I don’t suck at the dad stuff.”

Before I can object or say anything, he leans in and kisses me. His lips fill me with new life. It’s been way too long since we last kissed, and I don’t know how I survived.

“I don’t want to be your fake husband. I want to be your real one.”

“But I thought…when we were in bed, and you pulled away…”

“I got scared. All of this started to get serious. You have a whole family to think about, Tanner. I couldn’t continue to hook up with you and then freak out and push you away. I’d hurt you and those kids. But I realized that this is what I want. You. Me. Kids. Family pictures that end in tears. Pop Tarts for breakfast as we’re running out the door. Going to sleep every night with you cuddled in my arms. I want all of it. I’m not running.”

I have to catch my breath as I take this all in. He is saying everything I’ve wanted to hear. My soul gets so light, I might just float away.

“I thought you were a proud bachelor.”

He shrugs. “People change. I thought you were straight.”

I snort a laugh. “I tried to talk myself out of falling for you so many times, and it never worked.”

“You’re falling for me?” Des asks.

“Uh-huh. Are you falling for me?”

“No.” He smooths a hand over my cheek. “I’m already there.”

Des has always been my friend. We’ve been there for each other through everything. I never thought I’d develop feelings for him, but here they are, and they are as natural as the wind.

He takes my hand and twists the ring on my finger. “You really like wearing that ring.”

I blush. “Old habits.”

“Can I borrow it for a second?” He gently tugs the ring off my finger. “I’d get on one knee, but I’m afraid of falling off the roof.”

“We can pretend.”

“Perfect. Okay, I’m on one knee.” That salesman twinkle is in his eye, though I don’t need to be sold. “Tanner Michael Chance, will you marry me for real?”

“Before I say yes, you’re aware that I come with four kids, which you will also be responsible for? There will be fights, and punishments, and throwing up, and forcing them to do their homework, and probably more throwing up, usually on your favorite outfit.”

A huge grin slides onto his face. “Sign me up.”

He slides the ring back onto my finger.

I shuffle over to him for another earth-shattering kiss. He swallows me up in a hug, and we sit there making out in the moonlight, ready for the next stage of our lives to begin.

After a few minutes of romantic tranquility, Des’s hand slips down to my crotch, which is just as excited about the nuptials as my heart.

“Should we pick up where we left off?” he asks.

“Definitely.”

“Technically we’re already married, so we don’t need to wait until the wedding night.”